Moderns that Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour

Schedule

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025 at 10:00 am to Fri, 10 Apr, 2026 at 11:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

Blue Pagoda Welcome Center | Sarasota, FL

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Join a guide from Architecture Sarasota to learn more about several historically and architecturally significant buildings at The Bay.
About this Event

“Moderns That Matter seeks to identify the Sarasota landmarks - from the iconic structures to everyday places – that give our community its architectural character and distinct sense of place." ~ Morris [Marty] Hylton III, President,

The Cultural District in The Bay park includes several historically and architecturally significant buildings, four of which are on the US National Register of Historic Places: the Municipal Auditorium (1937), the Chidsey Library Building (1941), the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (1956), and the Sarasota Garden Club (1960).

The district was included on . With input from residents and those who care about the community, this list reflects nearly 100 years of Sarasota’s development and built and cultural heritage.

In partnership with Architecture Sarasota, join an expert guide on this special walking tour to learn more about the design and history of these notable buildings as well as recent and future structures planned for the 53-acre site.

Due to popular demand, registrations are accepted only four weeks in advance.

Please refrain from registering for multiple dates to ensure there is enough space to accommodate everyone who is interested in this special tour.

Event sold out? Please consider these options:

  • Check back online closer to the event to see if cancellations result in openings, or...
  • Stop by the Blue Pagoda (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236) before 10am the morning of a scheduled Moderns That Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour to see if there are any “no-shows.”

IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE: Space is very limited and due to popular demand, there is a growing waitlist. As a courtesy to other park guests, please quickly cancel your Eventbrite reservation if you are no longer able to attend so your spot can be released to someone else.


Know Before You Go:

  • Free parking is located around the site and all parking lots remain open — along Blvd of the Arts and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
  • Construction of the new Town Square (located between the Municipal Auditorium and Art Center) is underway and affects pedestrian routes between the parking lot along N. Tamiami Trail and venues west of Van Wezel Way (incl. The Bay park, Van Wezel, and Holley Hall). Signs are posted to direct you between these locations. Please allow extra time to walk from and to your vehicle. Click here to view recommended pedestrian routes. Click here to learn more about Phase 2 of The Bay.
  • All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.
  • Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.
  • NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, this event will be CANCELLED. Notices will be communicated via ,, and up to one hour before start time as unpredictable Florida weather changes quickly.

About

Architecture Sarasota believes in the power of design to reimagine communities and strengthen the connections between people and the places they live, work, and gather. The organization’s mission is to steward the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture and provide a forum for the education, advocacy, and celebration of good design in the global built environment. Architecture Sarasota meets this mission by engaging residents and experts and collaborating with local, national, and global partners.


Show The Park You Love... Some Love!

Friends of The Bay help support the many beloved offerings in this "One Park For All". Your Friendship helps meticulously maintain acres of greenspace and ensures that dozens of high-quality events remain FREE for everyone to enjoy. to become a Friend of The Bay or renew your Friendship today.

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Where is it happening?

Blue Pagoda Welcome Center, 655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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